Vintage Camera Book End DIY

No vintage cameras were harmed in the making of these bookends. I first saw camera bookends on Pinterest thinking they were an actual DIY and then did the whole palm to forehead maneuver. Upon closer inspection I noticed it was a link to bookends being sold at Anthropologie. I was intrigued and knew I could figure something similar out for much less than $300. I have been collecting vintage toy cameras for a few years and only a few are really precious to me. Once I found a second camera similar to one I already had at a local thrift store I gathered my supplies.

I ended up with a charming set and it cost me around $8 (the cost of the thrifted cameras). The wood was scrap that I found in a bucket on the side of the road, I already had the glue, screws, and tools, and the paint was leftover from my bike makeover. You can find similar cameras on Etsy and eBay if you don't find them first at your local thrift stores, garage sales, or grandma's attic. 

To make your own camera book end(s) you'll need: One 1" x 4" x 2' piece of wood. I used scrap wood so it wasn't in as great shape as store bought. I suggest something without a rounded edge. One or two vintage cameras with screw-sized holes at the bottom (of similar size), screws to fit the hole size (mine were two different screws), four wood screws at least 2" long, wood glue, gorilla glue or a hot glue gun (not shown), medium grade sandpaper, a yardstick, a drill, heavy duty wire cutters or a dremel with a cutting attachment (not shown). 

First, cut your wood (or have it cut at a major hardware store) to get 4 pieces measuring 6" long. Clean edges are going to make your book end look it's best. Sand each piece in order for the paint to stick later. Next, stand one piece of wood on the edge of another so that they are flush at the end. Mark the inside line with chalk or a pencil. Then make two centered marks where you'll pre-drill your screw holes on both. Measure carefully and then pre-drill. After you've got your holes put a light layer of wood glue where the two will connect and hold them together while you drill them together. Wipe off excess glue.

Next, center your camera on your bottom piece and mark where the hole will need to go. Your hole may not necessarily be centered on your camera so it may not be centered lengthwise on your wood. As long as your camera is centered it'll end up looking okay. Drill your hole. Set your camera aside and paint your wood with spray or acrylic paint. Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions and let it dry before continuing. 

Depending on your camera you may be able to glue the screw head to the camera or snugly fit the screw bottom into the camera (the part where the tripod can attach to it). I did both with mine. The first photo shows where I screw it in from the bottom with the screw bottom snugly fitting into the camera. I simply glued it with gorilla glue (however I also suggest a hot glue gun) and made sure it stayed straight up until it was mostly dry. 

In the last photo above I had to glue the screw head to my camera so I drilled it from the top down. I then cut off the rest of my screw using a Dremel with a cutting blade. This helped it to sit flush with the shelf it was on. Always wear protective eye gear when using such a tool. 


They aren't perfect and I would've used a cleaner piece of wood next time but I'm pretty happy with how these turned out! They're a great way to add a little fun to your bookshelf without spending a fortune.

You don't need a matching pair to make a statement, either. If you can only find one vintage toy camera you can still turn it into a useful book end. This may be your go-to Christmas gift to all of your hipster friends this year!

-Rachel

Comments

[Kristen]

Very cool! I get so many great ideas from Anthropologie too.

[BeckyBedbug]

This looks lovely! Such a fantastic idea!

Becky
xx

[Mariana]

Beautiful.
I made wooden bookends with vintage children's shoes once.:)

[Amanda]

This project is great. The possibilities for what could be mounted on the bookends are endless. Thanks for the inspiration.

[ruthie]

Heh, that made me laugh about gifting these to all your hipster friends :) These are so cute! Perfect bookends.

[Heather]

Such a cute idea! I love this!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

[jenny holiday]

Super duper fun Rachel! :)

xo

[Krysten]

Those are SO cute, I like!

[Colleen]

Fabulous idea!! I have so many vintage cameras, I'll have to convince John to let me use two for this project. Thanks :-)

[Stephanie]

Very cool idea! Loved it!

Stephanie

[shannon]

SO cute!!!
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/

[Lesley]

Very clever! Love this project!!

[Rachel]

I love that you found an item of your project materials on he side of he road.

Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

[Dori]

So fabulous! I keep seeing fake vintage camera bookends but I want real ones! This is the answer!! Brilliant!

[Laura]

These are so much prettier than the Anthro ones :) xo

[Angela]

WOW! You are always so full of creative ideas! This is so clever and cute! Well done! :-)

[caroline]

Oh I love it! So many other cool, pretty old things could be mounted like this. So creative!

sweatshirt-weather.blogspot.com

[Diana]

This are so darling! I love them! A great way to display a camera that no longer works too!

xo
Diana
http://unusuallylovely.com

[Jessica Judkins]

Super cute!

[Kellie]

They are unreal! Kellie xx

[Rachel]

this is sheer brilliance! You are such a talented lady! I want to hunt some old cameras down and make these for my husband...i think he'd love them!

[Poppy]

such a great idea! x
http://hopscotchanddaisychains.blogspot.co.uk/

[Ashley]

This. Is. Genius!!! I cannot wait to use the two vintage cameras I have been trying to figure out how to display for MONTHS! Awesome tutorial. Also good luck with the piano-are you going to leave it aged or are you going to paint it? I am on the look out for an old upright piano to paint some bright funky color.

[Hanna Karlzon]

Thats funny! :)